Putting a Number on a Road Legal Car

[Glyn84]

I've been reading these forums for a good 6 months now and you're a very knowledgeable lot , but I've never got round to registering until today for some reason, but that's a different story

I'm having a race car built at the moment which should hopefully be delivered at the end of May. It's a Toyota MR2 prepared by Stoner Racing. I've opted to have it painted like the 1967 Eagle Weslake (those who play Grand Prix Legends, or are getting old will probably be more familiar with it ) but I've got a question about slapping a great big number on the side as I'll need it to be road legal initially while I sort out getting a towing car, trailer and passing the towing test.

I remember about a year ago watching a programme about a car event where they started off in Britain and drove across Europe. One of the guys mentioned in the UK it's not legal to have a number on the side of the car, and so he crossed it out with red tape, and then removed the tape when he got to France. Now I've seen other cars on the UK roads with racing numbers on, but I've also seen cars about with fancy number plates which I know aren't legal! Could anyone clarify this for me as I'm sure PC Plod would go over the car with a fine comb should I get pulled

Cheers!

[rallycross]

I think there is a law from many years ago about not a racing number on the road hence why you have to stick some tape over your number to 'cancel' it out

[clubracing]

MSA blue book, Section G Rule 43.

'Competition numbers must be covered at all times when driving on the public highway.'

Just a strip of gaffa tape across the number is enough.

[MGRacer]

clubracing said:

MSA blue book, Section G Rule 43.

'Competition numbers must be covered at all times when driving on the public highway.'

Just a strip of gaffa tape across the number is enough.

This has been debated before somewhere on this forum. The above has nothing to do with the law as far as I am concerned. It has everything to do with bringing the MSA into disrepute for having numbers on the side.

Remember the MSA has no jurisdiction outside of a race circuit.

I have driven a road registered race car with full numbers on it past numerous Police cars (i live 5 mintues from a Police HQ) and I have had no problems. How do you think full replica of Scooby rally cars get on?? They have no issues becuase its a non issue.

People driving with stupidly spaced number plates and different fonts should be the ones worrying and get a life.

Edited by MGRacer on Thursday 2nd April 08:55

[onomatopoeia]

No law against having numbers on the side of the car, you are only contravening the GRs in the blue book by doing so (which as a licence holder you agree to abide by). I've never heard of any penalty being imposed, I suggest you'll just get a quiet word from the clerk if you are spotted coming into the venue with numbers already attached and not crossed through, at least that's my approach.

[GBRM]

As per the last two posts - there's no law stopping you, just the be careful if you're an MSA race-license holder as they can ban you for bringing the sport into disrepute - racing on the road, etc.

[windybob]

Herbie doesn't cover his up!!!!!!

[Hybrids]

Neil
Are you coming along to Snett this weekend ?

[Glyn84]

Thanks for the replies guys (I knew I could count on you ). I think I'll take the safe option and stick a cross through it with tape.

Hybrids (Gareth, I think it is?), I won't be able to make Snett unfortunately. Mo asked me this morning actually if I was going. It's a fair old drive too, but seeing as we good as live near door to door I don't suppose that's an excuse Scary thought I just looked how far Pembrey is I'll probably come and see you lot at Silverstone. I'll have just got my car by then hopefully so might be able to uphold an MR2 conversation It'd be good to meet you guys and watch the fun!

[clubracing]

TVR Moneypit said:

So what about rally cars travelling on the road between stages?

There are different rules for rally cars (section H of the blue book), they're not allowed to have "racing style numbers".
So any member of the general public, who is armed with their trusty blue book will immediately see that they are rally numbers and no confusion will arise.

[thunderbelmont]

The issue is more to do with "Bringing the sport into disrepute" which relates to people who still drive like arses on the road in their road legal competition cars.

If you drive into/out of the circuit with your road legal car, with the numbers uncovered, you could be hauled before the CofC and/or the MSA.

If in doubt - get a couple of squares of magnetic vinyl stuff and bung that over your numbers, trimmed with a bit of extra tank tape on the leading edge.

Rob.